Archives for December 2002

Q. I have submitted a Federal application, but I will be studying in Quebec when I expect the case to be concluded. How ill this affect my case?

Answer: As you may be aware, Quebec has its own criteria for selection of immigrants. In a case in which you are studying in Quebec at the time that you are being interviewed in relation to a Federal destination, you will most likely have to be able to demonstrate that you will be terminating your studies prior to the prospective expiration of landing documents.

If the immigration official feels that you intend to be resident in Quebec after the time of your landing, you will likely have to be assessed under Quebec’s criteria.

Q. Could anybody tell me why Police Officers are on the list of eligible occupations when
my husband has been told he will have to re-train from scratch in Canada.
What is the point in meeting all the performed duties on the NOC if they
don’t count when he applies to get in the Canadian Police?

Answer: The premise of the current Regulations is to admit persons who have certain attributes that make them likely to successfully settle in Canada. The application is no longer based on a specified intended occupation, and it is not necessarily expected that all applicants must pursue employment in the field of their prior experience. It is, however, expected that those applicants that are successful will be able to readily find suitable employment in Canada.

The federal and provincial governments should do more to help immigrants integrate into official language minority communities across the country, Official Languages Commissioner Dyane Adam said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters as she tabled a new report by her office, Ms. Adam said it’s not enough to direct immigrants to provinces where they can bolster an official language minority — rather, services have to be provided to help them integrate into minority communities. “Successful immigration in a minority context cannot be left to chance,” Ms. Adam said. She said governments must also do more to recognize immigrants’ professional qualifications.

Federal Government seeks to Expedite Skilled Immigration

The federal government will fast-track the admission of skilled immigrants
and their spouses, and will move to address business complaints about
burdensome regulation, Liberal ministers said yesterday.

Industry Minister Allan Rock and Human Resources Minister Jane Stewart will
convene an innovation summit in Toronto next week that is meant lay down a clear agenda for both government and business.

Canadian Embassy in Manila Closed Temporarily

The Canadian Embassy in Manila is temporarily closed until further notice due to security concerns. People wishing to visit Canada from the Philippines are advised to courier their applications to the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong. Applications can also be submitted in person at any other Canadian visa office.

Recognizing the important role played by immigration in Canada’s economy, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration has made numerous recommendations intended to facilitate the immigration process, and allow Canada to more effectively compete for the skilled professionals that it requires.

In all, 53 recommendations have been made by the committee, addressing most relevant issues but focusing on the evaluation of applications at Canadian visa offices.

Three of the Committee’s key recommendations are reflected in the recent Speech from the Throne. First, the government has committed itself to working with its partners to break down the barriers to the recognition of foreign credentials. Second, the government is determined to fast-track skilled workers entering Canada with jobs already waiting for them. Third, the government will position Canada as a destination of choice for talented foreign students and skilled workers, by more aggressively selecting and recruiting through universities and Canadian embassies abroad.

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